Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pensacola, FL (2024 Update)

  • Pensacola Solar Installation Cost: $13,072
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,535
  • Payback Period: 9.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pensacola

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Pensacola.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pensacola it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Pensacola, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,072, or $18,693 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Pensacola see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Pensacola for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Pensacola

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,313
3 years $-7,794
5 years $-4,276
7 years $-757
9 years $2,761
11 years $6,280
13 years $9,798
15 years $13,317
17 years $16,835
19 years $20,354
21 years $23,872
23 years $27,391
25 years $30,909

Top Solar Installers in Pensacola

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

See all of the solar companies in Pensacola

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pensacola

Although the average cost of a solar system in Pensacola is $13,072, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Pensacola, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pensacola average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pensacola to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Pensacola is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.34 $14,021 $22,941 9.5 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $30,947 9.3 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $39,133 9.1 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $47,499 8.9 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $56,045 8.8 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $64,770 8.6 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $73,675 8.4 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $82,760 8.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Pensacola, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Pensacola, FL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pensacola?

The average cost of solar panels in Pensacola is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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